Transport for London unveils changes to Chiswick High Road section of planned cycleway

Transport for London (TfL) has announced details of changes to the proposed Cycleway 9 from Brentford to Kensington Olympia that have been made following pressure from opponents led by Conservative councillors from the Chiswick wards of the London Borough of Hounslow.

Work on the 7-kilometre route, which will ultimately be extended westwards to Hounslow, may start later this year following changes to the design following a public consultation that found most respondents in favour of the proposals, says TfL.

Earlier this year, in response to feedback on two specific locations – the Duke Road and Duke’s Avenue junctions with Chiswick High Road, pictured above, and at Kew Bridge – TfL opened a second consultation on revised plans.

It now says that the Kew Bridge junction will proceed as outlined in that second consultation, while changes will be made to the junctions in Chiswick after considering further responses on that location.

It now plans to keep two eastbound lanes of traffic on Chiswick High Road outside the Our Lady of Grace and St Edward’s Roman Catholic Church, including reducing the width of the cycle track there from 3 metres to 2.5 metres.

TfL claims that will “improve traffic capacity at this junction, whilst maintaining pavement space outside the church,” pictured below.

Instead of making Duke’s Avenue entry only from Chiswick High Road, it will maintain two-way traffic but introduce weight restrictions on that junction, and at the other end of Duke’s Avenue where it meets the A4, to prevent rat-running drivers of larger vehicles.

According to TfL, “Space constraints on the exit of Duke’s Avenue mean that large vehicles will not be able to make the turn onto Chiswick High Road safely.

TfL added that it is also working with the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham regarding proposals for a new cycle route alongside the A4, which the council’s leader, Stephen Cowan, said could “be more suitable for the faster cycle commuter,” rather than alternative route along the shopping areas of King Street and Hammersmith Road.

Will Norman, London’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner: “Getting more people walking and cycling as part of their everyday routine has huge benefits for our health and wellbeing, and we know there is a high demand for more cycling in this part of west London.

“It was absolutely right that TfL took the time to work with the councils to ensure everyone’s response to the consultation were looked at properly, ensuring the proposed scheme is the very best it can be. I’m delighted that we are on course for work to begin on the route later this year.”  

David Hughes, TfL’s Director of Investment Delivery Planning, added: “We know that there are many people across west London who would love to improve their health and do their bit for the environment by walking and cycling more often, but are put off by intimidating roads which don’t protect people on foot or bike.

“Our plans will create safer and healthier streets, as well as improving the environment and making it more attractive for residents and visitors.”